DOVER CRICKET CLUB may be following on the heels of the Oran/Carib Bristol Club to seek promotion to the Barbados Cricket Association's (BCA) Division 1 competition.

In an interview with NATIONSPORT yesterday, club president Adrian Donovan said the next step for the club would be determined when the management meets at monthend.

"The management of the club will be meeting shortly and a decision will be taken as to our next step, as the members have indicated that they need to step up to another level. Ten championships and upgraded facilities will generate an influx of younger membership," Donovan said.

Last year, Bristol took the BCA to court and subsequently won the right to be promoted to Division 1. At the time when legal proceedings started, some observers thought Dover would join their suit. However, Donovan explained they weren't in a position to do so.

"We have a fantastic group of men. The question was asked why we didn't go to court with Bristol regarding the promotion issue. It was not possible at that time because our facilities were substandard and having to play all of our games away from home the previous year, there was no income coming into the club. It made no sense to get into a race when we were not prepared."

Donovan said there was a myth surrounding the ability of teams like Dover, Malvern, Yorkshire and St John Cultural if they were promoted in the past.

"Once you gain promotion, you will be able to attract young cricketers, but if you remain all your life in the junior division, it is only a matter of time before your club folds. With the possibility of having a true team from the south – as there is none now – there is no reason why the cricketers should venture to town to play for the more high profile clubs."

The president indicated that Barbados and West Indies allrounder Dwayne Smith joined his father Wilbur Bruce, at Dover, but was urged to join YMPC so he would have a better chance of playing at the highest level. Very few national cricketers have made their way from the lower divisions.

Renewed interest in promotion has come after Old Brigand Dover wrapped up their tenth Premier League title on Sunday with a ten-wicket victory over YMCA at Gills Road. They also have two shield titles.

Going into the final round, both Dover and Valrico Foods Conrad Hunte were level on 37 points, and it was even tighter as rain washed out play in both matches on Saturday. Conrad Hunte, the defending champions, played to a draw against Wotton, who were one point behind with 36.

The significance of this year's victory was that the new champions had to play all of their games away from home because renovations had started on the pavilion.

Donovan said those improvements, as well as grading of the field and the pitch meant that "next season the facilities at Dover will be fitting for any first class game".

The team was admirably led by veteran Vibert Greene who finished with 51 wickets and opening batsman Peter Clarke with 490 runs.

"I assure you that Dover would be able to compete in any area once given the opportunity," Donovan said. (SAT)